Lecture Notes: South Asia and Southeast Asia circa 1200

Introduction

• Focus on South Asia and Southeast Asia around the year 1200.
• Examines the impact of belief systems on the regions.
• Main belief systems: Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism.

South Asia

Hinduism

• Dominant Religion: Long-standing dominance in India.
• Beliefs:
  • Polytheistic, belief in many gods.
  • Goal: Reunite with Brahma, the world soul.
  • Process involves reincarnation.
• Cultural Impact:
  • Unified Indian culture over millennia.
  • Structured society through the caste system.
  • Caste system: Five-tiered, based on virtue, affecting societal mobility mostly through reincarnation.

Buddhism

• Origins: Founded in India.
• Shared Beliefs with Hinduism:
  • Cycle of birth, death, and reincarnation.
  • Goal: Evolve into the Oneness of the universe.
• Differences:
  • Rejects caste system.
  • Emphasizes equality.
• Spread: Universalizing religion, adaptable to other cultures.
• Status by 1200: Declining influence in India.

Islam

• Introduction: Arrived in South Asia with Muslim Turkic invaders in 1206.
• Delhi Sultanate:
  • Established by Muslim invaders.
  • Second major belief system, especially among elites.

Southeast Asia

Major Belief Systems

• Practiced Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam.

Changes in Belief Systems

• Hinduism: Bhakti movement emphasized personal god worship, rejected caste hierarchy.
• Islam: Rise of Sufism emphasized mystical, spiritual experiences.
• Buddhism: Became more exclusive, mainly practiced by monks.

State Formation and Power

South Asia

• Delhi Sultanate:
  • Challenges imposing Islam due to entrenched Hinduism.
  • Resistance from Hindu kingdoms like the Rajput Kingdoms.
• Vijayanagara Empire:
  • Formed by former Muslim emissaries who reverted to Hinduism.

Southeast Asia

Sea-Based States

• Srivijaya Empire:
  • Buddhist, Indian-influenced.
  • Controlled Strait of Malacca, taxed passing ships.
• Majapahit Kingdom:
  • Hindu, with Buddhist influences.
  • Used tributary system to exert regional control.

Land-Based States

• Sinhala Dynasties (Sri Lanka):
  • Long-standing Buddhist state.
  • Power derived from land resources.
• Khmer Empire:
  • Initially Hindu, later incorporated Buddhism.
  • Syncretism evident in cultural and religious practices.
  • Built Angkor Wat, a symbol of Hindu universe.

Conclusion

• Regions had diverse religious influences shaping cultural and political landscapes.
• Clickable links for further unit review and resources were mentioned.